FORT COLLINS — There are more “odds” than “ends” when it comes to Colorado State’s disappearing collection of defensive ends. That just means more opportunities for remaining candidates.

While the quarterback derby will draw the usual attention in today’s first scrimmage of the fall at Hughes Stadium, defensive end depth has reached critical mass.

“It’s easier to get more reps this way,” said redshirt sophomore Davis Burl, the former Grandview running back who was recruited as a safety.

Before his redshirt freshman year, Burl was pressed into action as a linebacker. When linebacking depth was solved in the spring, Burl moved to defensive end.

“We have a tight-knit group. Everyone uses each other for help,” Burl said.

If it’s more common to move from the line to the secondary, Burl doesn’t seem to object.

“I’ve gone in the complete opposite direction,” he said.

Burl came in at 195 pounds and now weighs 230.

Versatile sophomore Broderick Sargent has changed positions from fullback to tight end to linebacker and now defensive end.

CSU emerged from the spring with decent depth and experience at end but has faced several setbacks since. Zach Tiedgen tore up a knee playing basketball. Returning starter Cory Macon left school shortly before camp opened because of personal issues. Sophomore C.J. James tweaked a knee and underwent a minor procedure.

As if defensive line coach Scott Brown didn’t have enough worries getting ready for the season, the best offensive tackle CSU will play this season shows up in the opener. One of the raw CSU defensive ends will line up against Colorado preseason All-American and highly touted Nate Solder, all 6-feet-9 and 315 pounds of him.

“I’ve watched a lot of film on him and tried to study as much as I can,” Sargent said. “He’s a great player. I heard he’s a first-round pick. Any little edge I can get will help, especially since this is my first outing, and my first game will be against one of the top tackles in the nation. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Said Burl of Solder, “We just have to use our speed.”

Sargent, a former walk-on from the St. Louis area, was named the first recipient of the Keli McGregor Scholarship, designated for a walk-on player.

“I’m going to try to represent the scholarship as best as I can,” he said.

The one experienced defensive lineman slated for work at end is junior Eugene Daniels.

Any or all of three true freshmen could see early playing time. Tight end recruit Crockett Gillmore (6-6, 235) comes out of Bushland, Texas; Charles Green (6-2, 221) and Nordly Capi (6-3, 242) are Florida products.

“I got enough because of what I have, and I’m glad to have them,” Brown said.

He also can’t wait to get Gillmore on the field, saying: “He’s very talented. I’m expecting him to play well beyond his experience.”

Going into his 35th season of coaching, Brown said, “This group makes me want to come to work every day.”

Four assistant basketball coaches at Division I schools and a top Adidas executive were among 10 people charged Tuesday with crimes including bribery and fraud as part of a wide-ranging federal investigation into corruption in college basketball.

CenturyLink, the telecommunications company that ended its sponsorship agreement with Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall because of his protests during the national anthem last year, said it will not terminate its agreement with current client Emmanuel Sanders.